Even now, in the twenty-first century, the equality of women was still more theoretical than practical. It remained as true as ever that, to attain the highest rank, a woman had to be not simply as good as, but measurably better than, her male colleagues.

Miss Kelly was as capable as she was ambitious. Her early promotion had been obtained by the stern repression of any softer, more human qualities that might get in the way of her efficiency. The opinion amongst T-Mat technicians was that Gia Kelly was a cold-hearted witch, and you'd better not slip up while she was around.

OTOH, the Ice Warriors rather respect her:

Slaar regarded her with a certain admiration. The Ice Warriors respected courage, and she was a better specimen of humanity than the miserable Fewsham, useful as he was.